Can filling machine



G. w. AsHLc JCK -r'AL 2,086,890

CAN FILLING MACHINE I July 13, 1937.

Q Filed Aug 21, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet; 1

GEORGE W. AsHLogK INVENTORS.

ATTO' NEY .July 13; 1937 v G. W. ASHLOCK-ET AL QAN FILLING MACHINE.

Filed Aug. 21,1955

, 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 l I I l INVENTORS. Gau es W. Ash/LOOK E veesr'r 6'. M/NARD BY ATTORQEY y 1937- G. WJASHLOCK m- L 2,086,890

CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed Aug. 21,1935 7 I s sheets-sheets IT. I

INVENTORS. Geo/ea: H. AsHLocK Eve/2571- 5. Mymen ATTORN Patented July 3, 1937 CAN FILLING MACHINE George W. Ashlock and Everett S. Minard, Oakland, Calif., assignors to Walter King, Sa

Francisco, Calif.

Application August 21,

, 18 Claims.

,Thisinvention relates to a machine for filling cans.

-It has for an object the provision of an apparatus by which cans may be filled at high speeds when no can is present.

through a unique combination of parts in the operation of which none of the substance being handled will be discharged in the absence of, a

can or container to receive the same.

' In general the can filling machine forming the subject matter of this invention comprises a revolubletank with a plurality of cylinders disposed therebeneath and integral therewith, a stationary cut-off plate valve within the tank for establishing and breaking communication between the tank and the said cylinders. Pistons operate in the cylinders to withdraw material from the tank and to discharge it from the cylinders through suitable valves into cans or like receptacles.

One of the important features of the'invention is the means provided for the control of the discharge mechanisms when no can has been fed into the apparatus, which means are purely mechanical and adapted to operate efficiently at the high operation speeds requiredof machines of this type. Another important feature of this invention lies'in the provision of an apparatus adapted to carry out the no can no fillf theory which can be quickly removed from the machine proper for the substitution of smaller or larger elements having the identical characteristics to accommodate receptacles of greater or lesser di-' menslons.

Another important object of the invention is the provision of scan filling machine which by virtue of the novel arrangement and association of parts may be quickly dismantled for cleaning purposes or for other reasons incidental to normal operation practices.

We .are: conversant with practically all other machines of this character which have been heretofore developed and it has been our experience that many of them make no provision whatsoever for the control of the discharge elements Moreover, those who have invented machinesembodying means for controlling this normal function of the machines have produced devices which are either extremely complicated in construction or which require double handling of the substance. In other words,

the material is withdrawn from the main tank into the element from which it would normally be discharged into alcanand then returned to the tank when no can is present to receive such discharge.

1935, Serial 1%. 37,143 (01. 226-97) Then too, it has been our observation that little or no provision has been made, by those before us in this art, for quick adaptation ,of the machines to the filling of cans of various sizes orfor the ready dismantling of the machine for the purposes of cleaning or adjustment. I

With the foregoing description and statement of objects in mind, reference is now had to the appended specification and the attached drawings for a more complete understanding of our 10.

invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view partly in section, with certain of the parts removed for purposes of clarity.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the machine.

v Figure 3 is a top plan view with certain of the parts shown in dotted lines.

Figure 4 is a top plan view, similar to the view I in Figure 3, with certain of the superposed'structures partly cut away.

Figure 5 is an elevation of the cam tracks employed in our machine.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the can operated device controlling one of the cam track switches.

Figure '1 is a side elevation of one of the pistons and the connecting linkage therefor, with the cylinder therefor shown in section.

Figure 8 isa schematic view of the discharge mechanisms, and the-upper and lower cam tracks, showing the normal operation, of the machine.

Figure 9 is a schematic view, similar to Figure 8, showing the action of the discharge mechanisms in the absence of a can to receive the discharge therefrom.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing the various areas into which the machine isdivided by virtue of the timing of its elements with respect to the filling operations. 7

A pedestal I0 provides the main support for 40 our can filling device, and has a flange I I at its bottom edge through which suitable bolts may be inserted to rigidly secure the machine to a foundation. A main drive shaft l2 extends horizontally through the pedestal near the top thereof and is provided with suitable bearings l3. A pulley I4, keyed at one end of the shaft i2, furnishes driving connection with any conventional source of power, and through the means of a bevel gear ii the shaft drives a gear wheel l6.

A second pedestal l'l, having a bottom extension I8, is mounted on the pedestal I0 and provides support for certain mechanisms hereinafter described. An upper frame is, formed .of

channel irons 26 bent in the general .shape of the capital letter 0, is bolted to the bottom extension l6 of the second pedestal IT, as at 2|. This upper frame. l9 provides a hanging support for certainlof the hereinafter described parts. A circular supply tank 25, having a plurality of cylinders 26 secured to the bottom thereof, is mountedpn the upper end of vertical shaft 21 to the bottom end of which bevel gear I6 is keyed. (See Figure 1.) J

The connection between tank 25 and shaft 21 comprises first a sleeve 26, of greater length than the depth of said tank, having a hub at its lower end and a collar 36 at its upper end. Hub 26 has a flange 3| to which bottom 32 of tank 25 is bolted, as at 33. Collar 36 engages ring 64 and the latter engages flange 35 on nut 36, said The said tank 25 has a substantially semi-cir-- cular stationary cut-01f plate valve 45, the function of which is to make and break communication between the said tank and cylinders 26 disposed thereunder as the latter rotate together. This plate valve is supported by cross bar 46 of upper frame l6. The connection therebetween comprises sleeve 41, the lower end of which is threaded to engage the interiorlythreaded hub 46 of plate valve 45, and the upper end of which extends through the boss 56 in said cross bar.

A ring 63, threaded to engage threads 49 on sleeve 41, bears against the underside of boss 56 and prevents upward movement of plate valve during the discharge stroke of pistons 66. Rotation of the plate valve 45 is prevented by a key 56A inserted betweenboss 56 and the sleeve 41, and thus the position of plate valve 45 is fixed to determine the opening and closing of apertures 15 in proper timing.

Plate valve 45 may be withdrawn from the supply tank 25 at any time it is desired by removing hand nuts 5| from the stud bolts 52 set in upper frame 26, which breaks the connection between the latter and cross bar 46, and then pulling cross bar 46 upwardly. Plate valve 45 and sleeve 41 may then be freely slid over sleeve 26 and ring 34.

Arranged about the periphery of supply tank 25 we provide valves generally designated by the numeral 66, there being one for each of the cylinders 26. Each of the valves has a vertically reciprocated plunger 6| therein which is adapted to open and close a discharge nozzle 62 as the roller 63 thereon moves over upper trackway 64. Passages 65 connect the cylinders 26 and-valves The pistons 66' are reciprocated within cylinders 26 asrollers 66 travel over the lower cam trackway 16, and are adapted to withdraw the substance being handled from tank 25 'and to efi'ect the discharge thereof into a can 61 through passages 65 and discharge nozzles 62 by virtue of timed relationship with valves 66.

Pistons 66 have rods 66 provided with rollers 66, and the said rods are, through the medium of links 16 and brackets 1|, connected to the wall of adjacent cylinders 26. It will be noted that links 16 are forked,\the connection between them and rods 65 beingeflected by pins 12, at the outer end of which rollers 66 are secured. Brackets 1! are attached to the adjacent cylinders 26, as at 13,

(See Figure 7.) One of the advantages of this particular connection for the piston rods and associated mechanisms is the fact that it reduces wear and tear within the cylinder and facilitates movement of the piston therein, due to the freedom of the piston to follow the bore of the cyl- As illustrated in Figure 4 the valves 66 are positioned slightly ahead of the associated cylinders 26, with relation to the direction of rotatio (counterclockwise), the purpose of this being 0 effect a proper timing between the operation of pistons in the cylinders and said discharge nozzles with respect to to be described.

A can table 66 is supported on the spider 6| keyed on shaft 21, the legs of the spider extending between cylinders 26, as shown in Figure 4. This mechanism is supported by pedestal i1 and a suitable bearing 62 is provided between the hub of the spider and the top of said pedestal |1. As a result of this construction can table 66 revolves with the tank 25 and cylinders associated therewith and isadapted to support cans positioned beneath each of the discharge nozzlesl Can retainers 66 are positioned on the table 66 the cam trackways about will be readily understood that in the normal .As said rollers 69 reach the bottom of the quick incline 61, the associated cylinders 26 are moved completely under cut-oif plate valve 45 in the bottom of supply tank 25 breaking communication between said tank and said cylinder. Rollers 69 then ascend incline 81 and the pistons make substantially a complete discharge stroke. Simultaneously, rollers 63 on plungers 6| start up the sharp incline of switch 89 on cam trackway 64, withdrawing plungers 6| in valves 66, opening passages ,65, and permitting discharge through nozzles 62. Rollers 63 then move.over an area of flat trackway 96, above and parallel to track 64 during which passageways 65 remain a open. As rollers 69 leave incline 81 they roll over As rollers 63 on valves 66 reach the end o'f to normal position we provide a guard 9| pitched at a downward angle to upper cam trackway 64 and against the underside of which roller '99 is adapted to bear.

Figure 9 of the drawings illustrates the course taken by pistons 99 and rollers 63 on plungers I when no can has been introduced for a par- Iticularcylindea. To provide for that emergency andprevent withdrawal of the substance from dropped into the normal plane of lower cam trackway 19, a flat section 93 and a bridge piece 94 adapted to be dropped on the inclined surface of lower'cam trackway. At the same time it should be noted that the inclined switch 89 on upper cam trackway 64 is pivotally connected to the top flat section 99 and isadapted to be swung upwardly. into a horizontal plane, to permit rollers 63 to move over a purely horizontal trackway and thus keep passageways 65 closed. A stop 92 (see Figure 2) on lower trackway I8 limits the movement of switch-92 and thus insures the withdrawal of pistons 66 in cylinders 26 during normal filling-operations regardless of the viscosity of the material since rollers 69 will bear against the underside of said switch 92 and be, forced into the depression or concavity in said trackway.

By referring to Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings the mechanisms which control this no can no -fill" feature of the invention will be readilyv .it outwardly to cause the switch 92 to be urged understood. A bar 95'pivotally connected to a bracket 96 secured to upper frame I9 is partially I in the path of the cans on the table 99. when a can is in position it contacts this bar and moves upwardly and away from lower trackway I9 through the medium of the following linkage.

' Bar 95 and rod 99 are connected to a bellcrank 9'l,'p'ivotally attached to frame I9 by a bracket 99. The lower end of rod 99 is attached to the free end of forked member I99. The opposite shaped cans" by and angled end of forked member I99 is fixed on pin I9I extending through a bearing I92 inteml with flat section 93, and switch 92 is fixed on said pin I9I on the opposite side of the hearing. 9 a

When no 'can is present,bar 95 remains in the normal path of a can through the action of spring I94 and switch 92 rests on lower cam trackway I8 as shown in Figure 9. The sweep of bar I5 is rendered adjustable for various sized and virtue of the fact that the connection between rod 99 and forked member I99 consists in a nut I93 having a threaded connection with rod 99, retained between the forks of. member I99 by means .of suitable pins. Hence when an adjustment is desired the forks are sprung to release said nut and the latter is raised or lowered on said rod and then reclamped by the forked member.

The remaining features of the no can no illlmechanism. are actuated by the rollers '69. A spring I95 normally keeps bridge piece 99 in the position shown in Figure 8 of the drawings, that is, clear of the inclined surface of lower cam trackway and out of the path ofrollers 69'. In

the absence of a can, however, rollers 99, having traversed the-switch 92 and flat sectionll}, strike the bridgepiece 94 and force it into its closed position as shown in Figure 9. Bridge piece 94 is secured to a stubshaft I99 which extends the outerend of which is attached arm I91. This arm is connected'to switch 99 on upper cam trackway 64 through the medium of rod I98, the

universal joints I99-I99, arm H9 and shaft I II said switch being secured to the latter. Hence when rollers 69 strike, bridge piece 94 and depress it, switch 89 on upper cam trackway 69 is opened and the roller 63 associated with the particular cylinder rolls over anuninterrupted trackway and the discharge passageway 95 remains closed.

The adjustability of the incline 91 in lower cam trackway 'I8is illustrated to best advantage in Figure 5 of the drawings. It will be noted that the section 81 is pivotally connected to may be raised or lowered with respect to the inclined surface 98 of the lower trackway "I8 by means of the screw H2. The end of section 81 is slotted as at H3, and held in engagement with the end of inclined section 99 by means of a a conventional nut and bolt. Adjustment screw .II2 is carried by the downward extension II4 of through the end of flat track section 93, and to bottom flat section 88 and that its opposite end inclined section '98 of the trackway I8 and abuts the angled end of section 81. Thus when a finer adjustment of the angle of section 81 with respect to the rest of the cam trackway is desired, one need only loosen the connectionbetween section 88 and the end of section 91 and turn screw II2 to raise or lower the same. It will also be noted that the angled end of incline 8'I is provided with a crest or flat surface 91*. The purpose of this, as stated is to provide a levelling area, or better said, to cause pistons 66 to pause in their disa charge stroke, permitting the material already 'in thecan to settle before the material remaining in the cylinder is discharged. Moreover, it permits ,a finer adjustment ofthe discharge stroke of pistons 66 to accommodate containers of different sizes and to compensate for the diiference in-the viscosity of a wide range of material.

- V The can feed we employ in connection with our machine is, .in many respects,-conventional. A

'belt I29 turns on the pulleys III and I22, conveying the cans from a supply source. Pulley I2I, mounted-on shaft I23, is rotated by a chain I25 engaging sprockets I2l-I24 on shafts I23 and I2. A star wheel-I39'is adapted to engage 1 the receptacles as they are fedv by the belt I29 onto disk I32 and urge them in a clockwise direcspeed of'can table 89, the cans bearing against 1 the inside of bar 96 and being engaged by the 1 retainers 89. Toprevent damage to the empty cans as they are fed from belt I29, we provide a depression in the conventional guide about the periphery of disk I32, into which acan will temporarily move if crowded by the points of the star wheel I39,'a spring urged finger I3I normally urging the cans into alignment, being depressible for thispurpose. Y j,

Adjustment oi'ithe-star wheel I39, with respect t'o'timing and diilerent sizes of cans is made possible through the particular connection of the said wheel .on its supporting member I35. The wheel has a pair of slots tion to be introduced in timed relation to the I39, pitched at substanf tia'lly right angles to corresponding slots in arms I38 on member I95, and -a bolt I99, retained bynected 'to shaft I28. This shaft has a driving connection "with shaft I28 through the medium [of spiral gears I28, and in turn rotates shaft I48,v

upon which discharge plate I85 is mounted, by means of chain I40 engaging suitable sprockets.

A guide I58 is mounted on the fender I58 disposed between discharge plate I88 and can table 80 and urges the filled cans onto the said plate I45, its inner end being pitched at'suflicient angle to remove the cans from the retainers 83.

Figure 10 of the drawings clearly indicates the various areas into which the machine'is divided whn the can supply is constant." The terminology employed in connection with the inner circle defines three principal areas, the Intake area".

embracing that portion of the machine in which a particular cylinder 28 is withdrawing a charge of the substance from supply tank 25; Charging area" denoting that portion of the circle in which the cans are being charged, and No can denoting that period in the rotation of the filling elements between discharge of a filled can onto plate I45 and intake of an empty tin from star wheel I38.

The outercircle in this diagram illustrates the movement of piston rollers 89 over the bottom I cam track 18. For instance, the roller descends on incline 85, rolls on bottom fiat section 88, as'the cylinder 28 takes in a charge of substance, and ascends over incline 81 and gradual inclined section 88 of trackway I8, as' the substance-is discharged into the cans. Finally, roller 88 moves over a top fiat section of trackway 18 between discharge of a filled can and intake'of an empty one.

Our machine is rendered adjustable for cans and receptacles of diflferent sizes and shapes; through the meansof the particular mounting and connections employed in connection with the revoluble filling elements, and through the proa vision of a lower cam track which is readily removable for substitution of one of different dimensions. r

For example, when it is desired to adapt the revoluble filling elements to accommodate a larger receptacle,only the following simple steps need be taken. Ring 58 is screwed down on the threads 48 of sleeve 81, releasing plate valve 45 w for upward movement. Lock nut 81 is then cylinders 28 and the clearance between discharge raised on shaft 21, permitting. nut 88 to be screwed upwardly, carrying with it supply tank 25, cylinders 28 and valves 88, to the desired height,'thereby increasing the filling area within nozzles 82 and table 88.

At the same time removal of the switchway and associated mechanisms in lower cam trackway and the looseningoi the nuts anchoring same, permits ready removal of thecam track past pedestal II. As aheady pointed out, fine adjustments of the cam track-I8 may be effected through the raising or lowering of l incline 81 and its crest 81', which in some cases may be sufilcient to accommodate cans of slightly different sizes. Finally, the sweep of bar 85, with respect to cans on table 88, may be regulated through the shortening or lengthening of the con nection between bellcrank 81 and forked member I88. Upper cam trackway 88 may be raised or low-: ered by loosening the retaining nuts therefor, the connecting bolts moving freely in conventional slots in frame I8.

It will be appreciated that we have illustrated but a preferred form oi our invention and that it may assume many forms and is subject to many modifications, as well as adaptable to accommodate cans of many sizes and shapes for which reasons we do not wish to be understood as limiting ourselves to this particular disclosure but desire protection to the fullest scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A can filling machine comprising a revoluble tank having cylinders therebeneath and communicable therewith, a stationary plate in said tank adapted to make and break communication between said to. and said cylinders, pistons in said cylinders a apted 'to withdraw material from said tank into said cylinders and discharge it therefrom, and means co-acting with said pistons whereby they remain in their uppermost position in the absence of a receptacle to receive the discharge from said cylinders.

2. A can filling machine comprising a revoluble tank, cylinders therebeneath and communicable therewith, a plate adapted to make and break communication between said tank and said cylinders, pistons operating in said-cylinders to with- I draw material from said tank into said cylinders and discharge it therefrom into a receptacle, rollers'operatively connected to said pistons, a trackway for said rollers having a depression therein normally causing reciprocation of said pistons in said cylinders during the filling operation,

. and automatic means for bridging said depression in said trackway in the absence of a receptacle to receive the discharge from said cylinders.

3. A can filling machine comprising, a revolubletank, cylinders therebeneath and communicable I therewith, a plate adapted to make and break communication between said tank and said cylinders, pistons operating in said cylinders to withdraw material from said tank into said cyl inders and discharge it therefrom, rollers operatively connected with said pistons, a trackway for said piston rollers having a depression therein normally causing reciprocation of said pistons during the filling operation, receptacle feeding means for said machine, and means actuated when said feeding means fails to deliver are-- ceptacle to receive the discharge from said cylinders way.

4. A can filling'machine comprising a revoluble tank, cylinders therebeneath and communicable therewith, a plate adapted to make and break communication between said tank and said cylinders, pistons operating in said cylinders to withdraw material from said tank into said cylinders and discharge it therefrom, rollers operatively connected to said pistons, a trackway for bridging the depression in said trackfor said rollers normally causing reciprocationof said pistons'during the filling operation and; autotrackway for said piston rollers having a depres-' sion therein whereby said pistons are reciprocated in said cylinders during the normal filling operation, and an automatic switchway in said to receive the discharge I 7 2,088,890 trackway to prevent said rollers from entering from, rollers operatively connected to said pistons, a valve for each of said cylinders having a plunger therein, rollers on said plungers, .a trackway forsaid plunger rollers having a convexity therein normally causing the opening of said valves, and meansoperated by said piston rollers whereby said plunger rollers will be caused to pass under said convexity in the absence of a receptacle to receive cylinders.

7. A can filling machine comprising a revoluble tank, cylinders therebeneath and communicable therewith, a stationary cut-off plate adapted to make and break communication between said tank and said cylinders, pistons operating in said cylinders to withdraw material from said tank into said cylinders and discharge it therefrom, rollers operativelyconnected to said pistons, a valve for each of said cylinders having a plunger therein, rollers on said plungers, a tra'ckway for. said plunger rollers having a convexity therein normally causing the opening of said valves, and means operated by said piston rollers to cause said plunger rollers to pass under said convexity in said trackwa'y normal plane of said trackway in the absence of a receptacle to receive the'discharge from said cylinders.

8. Acan filling machine comprising a revoluble tank, cylinders therebeneath and communicable therewith, a'stationary plate adapted to make and break communication between said tank and said cylinders, pistons operating in said cylinders to withdraw material from said tank into said cylinders and discharge it therefrom, rollers operatively connected to said pistons, a valve for each of said cylinders having a plunger therein, rollers on said plungers, a trackway for said piston rollers having a concavity therein adapted to reciprocate said pistons, a trackway for said plunger rollers having a convexity therein causing the opening of said valves, and automatic means causing said piston rollers to pass over said concavity and said plunger rollers to pass under said convexity in said trackways in the absence of a receptacle to receive the discharge from said cylinders.

9. A can filling machine comprising a revoluble tank axially mounted on a vertically dis-' posed shaft and having apertures in'the bottom thereof, a frame, a cross bar in said frame superposed above said tank, said cross bar having a boss therein loosely encompassing saidshaft,

a cut-oif plate on the bottom of said tank adapted to. open and close said apertures, a sleeve encompassing said shaft and connected to said cutoff plate, said sleeve extending through said boss, and means carriedby the sleeve and engaging said boss for positively preventing rotation and upward movement of said cut-oil plate.

10. A can filling machine comprising a revoluble tankaxially mounted on a vertically disposed shaft and having apertures in the bottom thereof, a frame, a cross bar in said frame superposedabove said tank, said cross. bar having and roll inthe luble tank, cylinders 11. A can filling machine comprising a revoluble tank, cylinders therebeneath and communicable therewith, a stationary plate adapted to make and break communication between said tank and said cylinders, pistons operating in said cyllnders to withdraw material from said tank into said cylinders and discharge it therefrom, rollers operatively-connected to said pistons, a valve for each of said cylinders having I aplunger therein, rollers on said plungers, a the discharge from said tracltrwway for said piston rollers having a concavi therein. adapted to reciprocate said pistons, a trackway for said plunger rollers having a convexity therein causing the opening of said valves, and automatic means causing the pistol. rollers-and plunger rollers to roll in the normal plane of their respective trackways in the absence of a, receptacle to receive the discharge from said cylinders.

12. A can filling machine comprising a revoluble tank, cylinders therebeneath and communicable therewith, a stationary plate adapted to .make and break communication between said tank and saidcylinders, pistonsoperating in said.

feed, a switch in said trackway for said piston rollers which will cause the latter to roll in the normal plane of said trackwayupon the failure of said can feed to deliverka receptacle.

- 13. A can filling machine comprising a revoluble tank, cylinders therebeneath and communicable'therewith, a stationary plate adapted to make and break communication between said tank and saidcylinders, pistons operating in said cylinders to withdraw material from said tank into said cylinders and discharge it therefrom, rollers operatively connected to said pistons, a

valve for each of said cylinders having a plunger therein, rollers on, said plungers, trackwaysfor said piston'rollers and plunger rollers having switches therein normally causing operation of said valves and said pistons, a can feed, and means actuated by the failure of said can feed to deliver a receptacle to cause said piston rollers to roll in the normal plane of said trackway.

14. A can filling machine comprising a revocable therewith, a-stationary plate adapted to make and break communication between said tank and said cylinders, pistons operating in said cylinders to withdraw material from said tank into said cylinders and discharge it therefrom, rollers operatively connected v I valve for each of said cylinders having a plunger therein, rollers on said plungers, trackways for said piston rollers and said plunger rollers having switches-therein adapted to cause operation of said valves and said pistons, acan feed, and can actuated means for keeping opensaid switch in said trackway for said piston rollers.

therebeneath and communlto said pistons, a

15. In a can filling machine a revoluble tank axially mounted on a vertically disposed shaft, the connection between said tank and said shaft comprising, a sleeve secured to the bottom of said tank, a collar at the top of said sleeve, a member provided with an external flange-at its lower end having threaded connection to said shaft, and aring having internal flanges engaging said collar on said sleeve and said flange on said threaded for said piston rollers causing reciprocation of said pistons during the filling operation, and means in said trackway causing the pistons to pause in their discharge stroke when the greater portion of the material has been discharged from said cylinders to permit the latter to settle within the receptacle before the remainder of the material is discharged from said cylinders.

17. A can filling machine comprising, a revoluble tank, cylinders therebenea-th and communicable therewith, a plate adapted to make and break communication between said tank and said cylinders, pistons operating in said cylinders to withdraw material from said tank into said cylder of the material is discharged inders and discharge it therefrom,'rollers operatively connected with'said pistons, a trackway for said piston rollers causing reciprocation of said pistons during the filling operation, and a dwell portion in said trackway causing the pistons to pause in their discharge stroke when the greater portion of the material has been discharged from said cylinders to permit the latter to settle within the receptacle before the remainfrom said cylinders.

18. In a can filling mechanism, a rotatable unit comprising a tank to receive the material with which the cansare to be filled, said tank having 'a plurality of cylinders connected therewith and in communication with the tank,.a can receiving table rotatable with thetank and cylinders, means for delivering cans to the table, a piston in each cylinder, a pivotally mounted rocker arm for each cylinder, a connecting rod for each piston and connected one with each rocker arm, a roller on each rocker arm, a cam track with which said rollers engage and by which a reciprocal movement is transmitted to the pistons to alternately charge and discharge the cylinders, means for directing a portion 01' the ma-- terial being discharged into the cans, and means for rendering the cam track inoperative if cans are not delivered to the table.

GEORGE W. ASHLOCK. EVERETT S. 

